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Journalist Claims Babar Azam Betrayed Shaheen Afridi for Captaincy

A journalist has claimed that there is reportedly a rift between star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi over Pakistan’s captaincy. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB)  frequent leadership and support staff changes have contributed to instability, drawing criticism amid the national team’s inconsistent performances across formats.

In early 2024, Shaheen Afridi was appointed captain for the T20I series against New Zealand following Babar Azam’s resignation after Pakistan’s disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign in India. However, after a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand, Afridi was unexpectedly removed from the captaincy, with selectors reinstating Babar Azam. This decision did not yield the desired results, as Pakistan was eliminated early in the group stages of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Aside from the lackluster performances throughout the tournament, rumors circulated about tensions between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

Recently, Qadir Khawaja, a journalist from Samma TV, has stirred the pot by alleging that Shaheen Afridi was willing to relinquish his captaincy to Babar Azam and even approached him about it. According to Khawaja, Babar assured Shaheen that he had no intention of reclaiming the captaincy, leaving Afridi under the impression that Babar supported him.

Khawaja further claims that Babar was aware of the selectors’ decision to reinstate him as captain, while Shaheen was kept in the dark. The revelation reportedly blindsided Afridi, who had been assured by another team management member that he would remain captain. This conversation allegedly took place during a training camp in Kakul.

Khawaja also suggested that Babar might not have been fully aware of the behind-the-scenes maneuvers. The authenticity of these claims remains uncertain, but the controversy has undoubtedly added to the confusion surrounding Pakistan’s captaincy decisions. Speculation is rife that Shaheen Afridi could be reinstated as T20 captain, though other candidates, such as Mohammad Rizwan, are also being considered.

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